You're standing on East Houston Street. It’s hot. San Antonio heat is a different kind of beast, the kind that makes you crave a blast of air conditioning and a cold drink the second you hop off the plane. If you’re like most people planning a trip to the Alamo City, you’ve probably seen the Comfort Suites Riverwalk Alamo pop up at the top of every search result. It’s ubiquitous. It’s right there, sandwiched between the history of the 1836 siege and the neon lights of the modern River Walk. But honestly, picking a hotel in this part of Texas is a minefield of "historic" charm that sometimes just means "small rooms and loud plumbing."
The Comfort Suites at 505 East Houston Street isn't trying to be a boutique luxury escape. It’s a workhorse. It’s where families who don’t want to spend $400 a night at the Emily Morgan or the Menger go to get some actual breathing room.
What you’re actually getting at Comfort Suites Riverwalk Alamo
Let’s get the layout straight. This isn't your standard roadside motel. It’s an all-suite property, which in hotel-speak basically means you get a little half-wall separating your bed from a sitting area with a sleeper sofa. If you’ve got kids, this is a lifesaver. You aren't all staring at each other from two queen beds while trying to eat pizza at 10:00 PM.
The location is the real sell. You are literally two blocks from the Alamo. You can walk there in about four minutes if you don't get distracted by the shops. The River Walk entrance is equally close. This matters because parking in downtown San Antonio is a nightmare. It’s expensive, the garages are tight, and the one-way streets will make you want to pull your hair out. At this hotel, you park the car and forget it exists until you leave.
The space factor
Most downtown hotels are cramped. They were built decades ago when people traveled with one small suitcase and didn't mind bumping elbows. The Comfort Suites Riverwalk Alamo feels surprisingly generous. Each room has a microwave and a fridge. That sounds like a small thing until you realize a soda at a River Walk restaurant costs six bucks. Being able to stock up at a local shop and keep your leftovers cold is a massive budget win.
The decor? It’s fine. It’s "modern hotel standard." You’ve got the dark woods, the neutral carpets, and those white duvets that have become the universal sign for "we washed this." It’s clean. It’s predictable. Sometimes, when you’re traveling with a screaming toddler or after a long day of business meetings at the Henry B. González Convention Center, predictable is exactly what you need.
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The breakfast situation and the "free" perk trap
We need to talk about the breakfast. It’s free. In the world of Hilton and Marriott, "free" is becoming a rare bird, often replaced by $25 vouchers that don't even cover a bagel and a coffee. Here, you get the classic spread. Waffles in the shape of Texas (obviously), eggs, some kind of breakfast meat, and the usual cereal/yogurt lineup.
Is it gourmet? No.
Is it better than wandering the streets at 7:00 AM looking for an open cafe while your blood sugar crashes? Absolutely.
The "trap" people fall into is thinking they’ll save a ton of money by eating every meal at the hotel. Don't do that. You’re in San Antonio. You need to eat real Tex-Mex. But for a quick fuel-up before you go stand in line at the Alamo, it’s a solid win.
Amenities that actually matter
- The Pool: It’s an outdoor pool. In San Antonio, this is essential from March through October. It’s not a resort-style lagoon, but it’s a place to dunk your head when the humidity hits 90%.
- The Fitness Center: It exists. It’s small. If you’re a gym rat, you might find it lacking, but for a 20-minute treadmill session to burn off the breakfast tacos, it does the job.
- Wi-Fi: It’s generally snappy. I’ve seen people running Zoom calls in the lobby without the "Your connection is unstable" dreaded pop-up.
Understanding the "Riverwalk" in the name
Marketing is a funny thing. The Comfort Suites Riverwalk Alamo has "Riverwalk" in the name, but it isn't on the water. You don't walk out your balcony and see the tour boats. You walk out the front door, walk about a block and a half, and then take the stairs down to the river level.
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This is actually a blessing in disguise.
The hotels directly on the River Walk can be loud. Really loud. You’ve got the crowds, the music from the bars, and the general echoes of a stone canyon filled with tourists. Being a block away gives you a buffer. You get the proximity without the 2:00 AM serenade from a bachelorette party.
The Valet and Parking Reality
Let’s be real for a second: the parking situation here is the one thing that catches people off guard. Like almost every hotel in the downtown core, you’re going to pay for parking. It’s usually valet. It’s not cheap.
If you’re trying to save every penny, you can sometimes find public lots nearby that are slightly cheaper, but then you’re hauling your bags across city streets. Honestly? Just factor the valet cost into your nightly rate when you’re comparing hotels. It’ll save you a headache. The valet staff here is notoriously fast, which is a rarity. Usually, you’re waiting 20 minutes for your car; here, they seem to have the system down to a science.
Why the Alamo location is a double-edged sword
Being next to the Alamo is iconic. It’s the "Shrine of Texas Liberty." It’s also a massive tourist magnet. During peak season—Spring Break, Fiesta in April, or the heat of July—this area is packed.
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If you stay at the Comfort Suites Riverwalk Alamo, you have a secret weapon: timing. You can get to the Alamo the second it opens before the tour buses arrive. You can see the Cenotaph and the long barrack in the morning light when it’s actually quiet and respectful. Then, when the crowds get unbearable, you just walk back to your suite, take a nap, and wait for the evening.
Nearby gems most people miss
Because you're centered right there, you’re close to things that aren't just the "Big Two."
- St. Joseph Catholic Church: It’s literally surrounded by the Rivercenter Mall. It’s a beautiful, historic spot that refused to sell out to developers.
- Schilo’s: The oldest restaurant in San Antonio. Get the split pea soup and the root beer. It’s a five-minute walk from the hotel.
- The Buckhorn Saloon: It’s weird, it’s full of taxidermy, and it’s a total San Antonio staple.
The verdict on the noise and sleep quality
San Antonio is a city of sirens and trains. It just is. Even in a suite-style hotel, you might hear the occasional emergency vehicle. However, the windows at this property are surprisingly thick.
The beds are the typical Comfort Suites "medium-firm." They aren't the cloud-like Westin Heavenly beds, but they aren't plywood either. Most people find them perfectly fine for a three-night stay. The AC units in the rooms are the wall-mounted type (PTACs), which provide a nice bit of white noise if you’re a light sleeper.
Pricing and Value Strategy
If you're booking this place, look at the "Choice Privileges" rates. Even if you aren't a member, signing up takes two minutes and usually knocks 10% off the price.
Is it the cheapest hotel in San Antonio? No. You can find budget motels out by the airport or further down I-35. But once you add in the cost of Ubers or the $30 daily parking fees at public garages to get downtown, the Comfort Suites Riverwalk Alamo usually ends up being the better deal. You're paying for the convenience of being able to walk back to your room to use your own bathroom or grab a snack mid-afternoon.
Actionable Steps for Your Stay
- Request a high floor: The higher you are, the less street noise you'll deal with from Houston Street.
- Check the Fiesta schedule: If you’re visiting in April, check the parade routes. This hotel is in the heart of the action, which is either amazing or a logistical nightmare depending on whether you like crowds.
- Join the rewards program: Even for a one-time stay, the points can sometimes earn you a free night later at another Choice property.
- Don't bring a massive SUV: The valet area and nearby streets are tight. If you’re renting a car, go for a compact or a mid-size to make everyone's life easier.
- Walk to the Pearl: It’s a bit of a hike (about 25-30 minutes), but you can take the river level path all the way to the Pearl District for some of the best food in the city. It’s a much better vibe than the touristy heart of the River Walk.
Staying here is about balance. You're getting the space of a suite, the proximity of a luxury hotel, and the price point of a mid-range brand. It’s the practical choice. It won't be the most "magical" part of your Texas vacation, but it will be the reliable home base that makes the rest of your trip actually enjoyable. No one ever regretted having an extra 200 square feet and a microwave when they're traveling.